The Importance of Focusing on Learning in Assessment

Assessment in early childhood is often framed around documentation, but it is crucial to remember that the purpose of documentation is to assess children's learning. The focus should be on capturing and measuring children's learning rather than getting caught up in the format or style of documentation. Assessment does not need to be limited to objective observations, but should involve subjective teacher judgments based on a deep understanding of the child. It is important to capture in-depth information about a child's knowledge, abilities, and engagement with their world, allowing for a focus on strengths and identifying areas for growth.